Wednesday, April 9, 2014

3. Revelation: Unveiled (Intro., pt. 3)

Introduction, part 3

3. The Subject of Revelation: Jesus Christ (continued)
b. The Subject reveals Jesus, both as the Lamb of God, and the lion of judah
Since much of the book is presented by those other than Jesus Christ Himself; that is, through visions and by angels, I believe that the opening words “the revelation of Jesus Christ” means that this final book of the Bible is the revealing of Jesus Christ Himself and not the revealing by Jesus Christ. Had we all of the books of Scripture, save this blessed and prophetic book, the unveiling of the Son of God would have been incomplete. If we only had 65 books in the Bible and 26 New Testament books, what would we know of his quickly approaching return? More than anything else, John received and wrote the contents of the book of Revelation to unveil the faithful and true and fulfilling appearance of Jesus Christ, showing forth the hope for Christians that Jesus Christ did not only come as a lamb slain (Rev. 5:6), but that He will indeed come again in His truest manifestation yet, that of the mighty “Lion of the tribe of Judah,” (Rev. 5:5), King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Rev. 17:14, 19:16).

c. The Subject is only hidden by Satan Himself
Some people will use the excuse of the mystic style of Revelation as a reason for avoiding the study of it. Who do you think is the author of that excuse? “This book will keep you from Sin, that’s true, but so is the opposite: Sin will keep you from this book!” Satan, of course, will do all he can to keep you from knowing about the book of Revelation. In upcoming days, Wednesday nights will have many opportunities for you and for me to not be here to hear the words of what John saw on the island of Patmos. Why? The devil himself doesn’t want you to be blessed. His demons want you to be afraid of this book.
You’ve heard the phrase “Whenever Satan tries to remind you of your past, you just remind him of his future.” How do we know his future? The book of Revelation! That’s why Satan will use every excuse in the book to keep you from the book and especially the only book with a guaranteed promise of blessing.
Do not make an excuse not to study the book of Revelation.

d. The Subject is not scary for believers
It is not a scary book for believers. Notice I did not say it is not terrifying for everyone. I said it is not a book for Christians to fear. Do you remember what it says in 1 Tim. 1:7? “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.” Again in 1 John 4:18, it says, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” And again in Romans 8: 15 “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father.'" Revelation is a book of hope for the Christians, especially those who have suffered in this life. As we study Revelation, we must see this as an open, unsealed book.
In Luke 2:32, Simeon’s prophetic utterance shows that Jesus was to be a revelation to the gentiles
30 "Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation 31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, 32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel."

If the book of Revelation is not fearful for Christians, then why do so many fear it? They may not fear in the sense of being petrified or terrified but AFRAID TO READ IT OR STUDY IT? Now it could be that some are afraid because they are not truly saved. But I want to answer the question by referring to other places in the Bible where the word and concept of “the apocalypse of Jesus Christ” is used. And we begin this study with the phrase “The Revelation of Jesus Christ.”